JERUSALEM. As the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan approaches, the usual festive atmosphere in Jerusalem’s Old City is notably absent. The labyrinthine streets leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, are eerily quiet, with many shops closed and decorations sparse. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, now entering its sixth month, has cast a shadow over Ramadan preparations in this historic city.
Abu Mousam Haddad, a coffee stand owner near Damascus Gate, lamented, “This will be the black Ramadan.”
With more than 30,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and widespread hunger, the mood for celebration is understandably muted. The conflict has dominated headlines and diverted attention from the usual fervor surrounding Ramadan.
Hamas, leveraging tensions around Al-Aqsa, has called on Palestinians to flock to the mosque during Ramadan, potentially setting the stage for further confrontations with Israeli forces. However, in light of the current climate of heavy Israeli security measures and crackdowns, the willingness of Palestinians to engage in such clashes remains uncertain.
Imad Mona, a bookshop owner, expressed concerns about Israeli police behavior during Ramadan, particularly regarding access to the Old City and Al-Aqsa. Israel has a history of imposing restrictions on Palestinian worshippers during religious holidays, often leading to clashes.
The Al-Aqsa compound sits atop the Temple Mount, a site of deep religious significance for both Muslims and Jews. It has long been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions, exacerbated by the decades-old conflict over Jerusalem.
Efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire ahead of Ramadan have so far been unsuccessful, leaving many Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and apprehension. The Israeli government’s stance remains firm on continuing its military operations in Gaza, further complicating the situation.
The atmosphere in the Old City is not only subdued due to the conflict but also impacted by economic hardships resulting from a lack of tourists and local shoppers. Jihad Abu Salih, a sweets and pastry merchant, lamented the economic downturn, saying, “It’s not just my shop that is affected, but all the traders here, too.”
As Jerusalem braces for Ramadan against the backdrop of conflict and uncertainty, the hopes for peace and tranquility during this holy month seem increasingly distant.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
